The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-16
ADVANTAGE OF BEING BIG.
Story of Man of Size but Few Brains Who
Rose to Eminence in New York.


A tlanta Constitution.
mans size has more to do with his success
than one would suppose. Tradition tells us that
il the infancy of our race tribes assembled to-
gether and picked out the tallest and strongest
man for their leader. This principle of natural
selection controls US to great extent even In
thiscvized age.
Ny old friend, John Johns was at one time
very much troubled because his son, young
John, was fool. tried to convince him that
it was something to be thankful for, but old
John was not to be comforted. His son at the
age of twenty-five was an empty headed bump
kin. Beyond the elements of an English educa-
ton he knew absolutely nothing He had no
ideas, and did not pretend to have any. But
more magnificent specimen of physical manhood
never walked the earth.
1t was delight to stand and look at young
John. Six feet two in his boots. with full
chest and broad shoulders, and large head. the
man looked so solid and massive that his weaker
fellows felt drawn to his side for protection.
but when he did speak his deep-toned voice
never failed to produce an almost magical eff
feet
Eyes, a fine ANIMAL said old John to me on
day, 'but he is fool and everybody knows it.
The boy has no future. He will eat. drink sleep
and die. and that will be the end of It."
lou are too bitter / said, and you are mis-
taken. In small community man is exam
ined with microscopic mi nuteness and is correct
ly sized up. In a great city, where people are
distracted by multiplicity of interests. man
always passes for more or less than he Is worth.
Send John to New York and he will be sue
cess"
MY goodness exclaimed my friend, "Do you
mean that2'
81 certainly d." was my reply, 81 have not
time to explain it. but if you will make tie ex'
pertinent, you will not regret it,"
Somewhat to my surprise young John was
sent to New York. His father gave him rea-
sonable monthly allowance, and ssft him to shift
for himself.
Two years later found myself in New York
on business trip. One of the most famous
lawyers in the city. an old acquaintance, re-
marked when shook hands with him:
BLESS my soul! Why. you and John Johns are
from the same town. Very remarkable man is
Johns. l think great deal of him.
In the course of my stay in the city found
that young Johns had made a tremendous lm-
preston ir the metropolis He was favorite
in the best society, and the leading politicians
and business men were his friends.
Mr.. Quill the managing editor of one of the
brightest papers in New York, explained young
Johns's success.
You see,' said Quill, 1--WE metropolitans have
trained intellects. We recognize great ability
to rare tyne. His reserve is marvellous He
has of the restless activity characteristic of
small minds Conscious of his great powers he
holds them we'll in hand and never breaks bis
calm repose. Now. we admire that sort of thing,
ard, as all things come to the man who waits,
| Mr.. Johns Is getting more than he wants Some
Of our Wall-street princes are taking care Of his
| interests. They put up the money for him and
| invest his profits safely. the young man is
making money
"Bnt what Is the secret of all thsl" asked
'Well," said Quill. 'it must be the young
mans native genius In society he is of
our lions. He is the most distinguished looking
man in New York, and his tact is wonderful"
rs he much OF a talker2"
| "That reminds me-" said Quill, ''that he talks
! less than any young man know. But when he
| does open his mouth each word seems to weigh
| a ton"
HAS he any business"
No. was the reply: 1--WE keep him so busy
with our affairs that he has no time to look after
| his own. But that's all right. A man with his
ability just naturally comes to the front You
can't keep him In the background"
| Three years later heard that young John had
visited England, where he completely capt-
waited the Prince of Wales. When he returned
! to New York he married ten million dollar
| widow, and then gave himself up entirely to
| social pleasures.
Old man Johns called on me the other day
and showed me letter from his son. | read
the vapd inane thing through and smiled
| Just as big fool as ever said the old man
| l nodded my head.
Strange those city people haven't found it
OUT
mot at ALL answered. "If you desire TO
| hide your real self go to the great city. There
everything is viewed through distorted eyes
| Here your son would have been considered a
| fool all his life In New York learned men will
will be applauded eloquencs. His size and
| shape, his big head and big voice. will carry him
| through"
Old John grinned and said:
| II don't understand it, but it is all right. If
John had grain of sense he would be ruined
man. But backbone seems to be worth more
| than brains. Hooray for john say
---a-----